NEWS FROM THE UAE
Excerpts from UAE Dailies
UAE declares three-month amnesty for illegals
ABU DHABI — Jun 4: The UAE Cabinet on Sunday agreed that a period of three months from Monday would be given to provide all foreign nationals present illegally in the country with an opportunity to regularise their status according to the law, or to leave the country, without penalty.
The cabinet was meeting today at the Presidential Palace under the chairmanship of His Highness Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. The meeting was also attended by Deputy Prime Minister Shaikh Sultan bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
The cabinet decision was taken as part of measures designed to tighten up the implementation of current laws relating to those who are in violation of the labour law or who are working in the country illegally, with regard both to employees and to those who employ them. The cabinet instructed the Ministry of Interior and the Ministry of Labour to work together to take the necessary steps to implement the decision.
It also said that the two ministries should work together to impose fines and prison sentences on all those who are found to be employing illegal workers.
In particular, it warned UAE citizens that they would face legal action if they were found to be employing illegal workers on their farms or in their homes.
The objective of the decision, officials noted, was to ensure that all legal workers would enjoy the full and appropriate benefits relating to their salaries, health care and housing.
The cabinet also instructed the Ministry of Labour to issue an order to all companies that, with effect from January 1, 2008, the salaries and wages of their legally-employed staff should be paid through banks, so as to ensure that there were no delays in payments by employers.
The cabinet ratified a recent agreement between the UAE and the Netherlands on the avoidance of double taxation, as well as reviewed a number of federal laws and draft laws, and took appropriate decisions.
KHALEEJ TIMES
Diplomatic missions hail amnesty for illegal workers
DUBAI — Jun 04: Diplomatic missions and social organisations have welcomed the UAE cabinet’s decision of a three-month period for illegal expatriate workers to either regularise their illegal status or leave the country without penalties.
The cabinet has instructed the Interior Ministry and Labour Ministry to take necessary steps to implement the decision, effective yesterday. According to the statistics by the Ministry of Labour, an estimated 300,000 illegal workers are currently living in the country.
Welcoming the move, B.S. Mubarak, Spokesman for the Indian Consulate-General in Dubai said, “Illegal workers here are highly vulnerable to exploitation. They should use this opportunity to regularise their illegal status or leave the country.”
He said that the Indian consulate in Dubai is ready to give all assistance to the UAE government in this regard.
An official of The Philippines Consulate-General in Dubai has lauded His Highness Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, the amnesty proclamation , saying that it is a testament to the UAE government’s humanitarian contribution. Speaking on behalf of the Philippine Consulate-General, the official commented, “The initiative mirrors very well the goodness of Shaikh Mohammed’s heart and his generosity as a leader. There is no doubt that expatraite residents here hold him in high regards.”
Mohan Krishna Shreshtha, Charge d’ Affaires, Embassy of Nepal in Abu Dhabi, called it a magnanimous decision of the UAE Rulers. “It will benefit illegal workers a great deal,” said Shreshtha who at this point of time had no idea on the number of illegal Nepalese expatriates in the country. “But, whatever is the number, we will offer all assistance to our people seeking to leave the country without any fines,” he added.
Pakistan Consul-General Abdul Hameed also welcomed the decision saying it is a positive development and people will benefit from it. “This is an oportunity for illegal workforce to regularise themselves and complete all their documentation formalities during the three month period announced by the UAE Rulers.”
Hameed pointed out that the Pakistani missions in Dubai and Abu Dhabi will provide all necessary facilities in this regard and also involve the community if necessary to help illegal workforce to regularise their status, or leave. “It is a big relief specially to the labour class and if necessary the consulate will post some staff at the Pakistan Sports and Recreation Club to reach out to the community.”
Bangladesh Ambassador to the UAE, Nasimullah Choudhary appreciated the move saying it will help the workers and the mission will give necessary assistance to carry out necessary procedures.
Joseph Bobby, a volunteer of Valley of Love, a social and charity organisation in Dubai, said “Many illegal workers who are suffering from various diseases have been stranded here as they don’t have money to pay fines. A decision such as this will surely help many to leave the country.”
“Several employers also use illegal workers as they cannot claim any legal rights over their employment benefits, he said, disclosing the amnesty will help may illegal workers to leave the country.
KHALEEJ TIMES
Student gets two-month jail for assaulting dean
DUBAI — Jun 04: A university student who punched his faculty’s dean on his head and chest has been sentenced to two months in jail besides a penalty of Dh2,000.
The dean had suffered serious physical injuries in the assault by the accused.
The Dubai Court of Misdemeanor has also referred the lawsuit to the authorised civil court for action with regard to the compensation.
As per the court records, the incident happened on June 20, 2006 when A.Sh., a student at a private college in Dubai, was sitting for his final year exam. A woman invigilator at the examination centre reported to the dean that A.Sh. was using unfair means in the exam. The dean came to the exam hall and asked the student to hand over his answer sheet. However, A.Sh. refused and instead, punched the dean on his head and chest.
The dean became unconscious after receiving the blows and was taken to the hospital. He was unable to attend the college for the next 20 days.
At the court hearing, the student had denied the charges. However, the court found him guilty of the crime.
The Misdemeanor Court on April 29, 2007, convicted the student of physically assaulting the dean and sentenced him to two months in custody and fined him Dh2,000.
KHALEEJ TIMES
Dubai’s student visa system be more flexible
DUBAI — Jun 04: If Dubai has to emerge as an international educational hub, its visa system has to be more flexible to allow students from all ages to come and study in Dubai, Dr Abdulla Al Karam, chairman of the Board of Directors and director general of the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA), has said.
In an exclusive interview with Khaleej Times, Dr. Al Karam said: “We need to sort out the student visa system. It should be made more flexible to attract students of different ages. Presently, the student visa system has age limitations and it should be changed.”
For universities in the UAE’s free zones, once a student is accepted, the visa is granted for one year and is renewable till he/she finishes the studies. Also, student visas can be sought only up to the age of 25 years.
Citing the example of the US, Dr. Al Karam pointed out how the American visa system catered to students of different ages. “Dubai’s student visa system should change according to the industry requirements. We have to look at the legislative side by introducing new visa types. We want to make Dubai a destination for education. By the year 2015, we want to attract as many as 50, 000 students to join our colleges,” he emphasised, adding that more universities needed to come in to Dubai.
As of now, there are about 20, 000 students studying in Dubai’s universities and there are some 16 universities in the Dubai Knowledge Village.
The fundamental issue, Dr. Al Karam pointed out, is the need for linkage between education and industry. “Engagement with the industry is necessary. Our role is of a quality assurance body and we need to ensure quality both inside and outside the free zones,” he maintained.
With Dubai Knowledge Village positioning itself as a Human Resources Development and Human Resources Management training provider, Dr. Al Karam said KHDA would regulate the quality of these institutes.
Touching upon the issue of teachers, Dr. Al Karam said it was imperative that the financial and the overall status of teachers be enhanced. “There would be a system in place to audit teachers continuously, where they would be certified and licensed, besides being remunerated in accordance with their performance,” he added.
KHALEEJ TIMES
Salik toll gate has motorists confused
DUBAI — Jun 04: Motorists yesterday panicked, assuming they would be fined for crossing the newly installed toll gate on Garhoud Bridge without a Salik tag. Curious onlookers also caused traffic jam on the bridge for hours.
While the first toll gate was set up on Garhoud Bridge towards Sharjah on June 1, the second one on the other side is yet to be installed, Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) officials said yesterday.
However, for some motorists, it was time for confusion. “The authority has made it clear on several occasions that violators will be fined heavily. I assumed I would be fined for crossing the gate without buying the sticker,” said Mohammed Amin, a motorist.
Said another motorist: “I had heard about the installation of the gate so I enquired about the Salik tags. However, I was told they are not on sale as yet and will be available from this week.”
In a statement issued yesterday, Eng. Maitha Bin Adai, CEO of the RTA’s Roads and Traffic Agency, said the installation process of the toll gates at Garhoud Bridge and Shaikh Zayed Road near the Mall of the Emirates was being finalised. “The toll gate at Garhoud Bridge (in the Sharjah direction) has been installed and it is scheduled to become operational from July 1,” she added.
She said the RTA would soon install the second toll gate at Garhoud Bridge (in the Dubai direction), and tag sales will begin this week. The toll system begins on July 1.
A senior RTA official said the applications to register for Salik -Dubai’s road toll system- will be accepted starting this week.
While some outlets, including some Emarat petrol pumps, have been provided with the application forms and Salik sticker kits, several others say they are yet to be informed about the procedure.
Motorists have different methods to register and open an electronic account, only then will they be issued a tag.
STEP 1
How to register
Motorists can apply to open an electronic Salik account by:
Logging on to the Salik website www.salik.ae
Acquiring the application form to open an account from: RTA’s licensing centres, over 70 Eppco and Enoc stations and 180 Emarat stations.
37 branches of Dubai Islamic Bank as well as Emirates Bank.
The Salik tags are sold at these outlets at a price of Dh100. The outlets will also receive, verify and complete users’ subscription forms/required documentation (including a passport copy and car registration card) and provide users with Salik account recharging service. The tag can be topped up through the same outlets after quoting the account number.
STEP 2
How it works
Salik is a free flow toll system without toll booths, barriers or gates, allowing traffic to move freely through the toll point at highway speeds.
The toll of Dh4 will be deducted from your prepaid toll account using the latest in Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology.
Your vehicle will be identified to the system through communication with the small, thin Salik sticker tag affixed to your windshield. There is no need to stop under the toll gates to get the toll fee deducted.
STEP 3
Salik credit
Subscribers to the system can know the available credit on their cards through the Salik website and also by contacting the designated communication centre of the project (80072545). SMS will be sent to the subscriber when his/her card needs to be topped up.
PENALTIES
There are two types of penalties. The first penalty is for those crossing the toll gate without subscription to the system and without having the tag fixed to the front windshield of the vehicle. There is a penalty of Dh100, which will be increased to Dh200 if the offence is repeated and Dh400 for the third time.
Lack of sufficient credit on the card is reported as a traffic violation and you will face a Dh50 penalty at each crossing. An SMS will also be sent once a toll gate violation is committed. Should the credit be topped up within two working days, the offence will be waived.
FAQs
Will I have a separate account for every tag?
No. Each account can have multiple tags, one for each vehicle. However, each account will have one account owner and one associated mobile number for communicating account information.
Can I add vehicles (tags) to my account?
Yes. When you fill up the application, just indicate that you have an existing account and let the RTA know the number and it will add the tag to your account. You can also apply online for additional tags and add them to your account at that time.
What if I sell my vehicle?
Call the Salik Customer Service Centre right away to deactivate your Salik tag so your account is not linked to a vehicle you no longer own. You should also remove the tag from the windshield when you sell your vehicle. If you purchase a new vehicle, you will need to contact the Salik Customer Service Centre to purchase a new tag or buy one at a retail location.
What if I damage or lose my tag?
If your Salik tag gets damaged or lost the vehicle owner will need to pay for a new tag to replace it.
Someone else was driving my car at the time of violation. Do I have to pay?
Yes. The owner of the vehicle is responsible for any toll violation, regardless of who was driving at the time the violation occurred.
KHALEEJ TIMES (RTA)
Families live in fear as houses start to fall apart
Fujairah - Jun 04: Housing chiefs have received a series of complaints of crumbling properties from nationals in the east of the UAE. Mohammed Rashid Al Dabani of Kodfo’a in Fujairah said pieces of cement were falling off in his home, including from ceilings. “I am afraid the pieces will hurt my children,” he said. “I am unable to repair the house because I am retired and my income is not that much.
“I hardly have enough money to pay for my children’s needs. I did put up some struts to hold up the ceilings in all the rooms to protect us from the crumbling cement blocks.
“But they provide limited protection as the blocks are very heavy.” Another man, Hasan Al Hosani, said his mother’s 26year-old home requires major repairs. “It is falling down,” he said. “The property needs urgent maintenance but that would cost a lot of money. I cannot help her because I earn a low salary and have to support my family.” The residents complained after a family of 12 in Kalba, near Fujairah, narrowly escaped injury when a corner of their home collapsed.
The terrified family called police for help. Abdullah Karam, the head of the household, said: “I live in a terrible state with my sons. We cannot find a safe home where we can live in peace. We are not asking for a big and luxurious home – we just want a replacement for our 30-year-old home.
“Parts have been breaking off since 1999 – a ceiling collapsed that year.” Faisal Al Kark, the Director General of the Zayed Housing Programme, said: “We have procedures that we implement immediately when any UAE national complains that his home is crumbling.
“The complaint is promptly referred to a specialist committee which studies the situation of the family and the property. If it is proved that the home is crumbling the programme carries out maintenance or builds a new home.” Abdullah Al Khadim, the programme’s assistant director general, said: “The programme’s budget is not large enough to cover all affected homes. Despite that, any complaint is referred to the committee which takes necessary measures and helps the affected family after completing the required procedures.
“The programme takes into account the humanitarian aspect. The programme also follows up cases reported by the media and has provided immediate solutions to many families after inquiries by the committee.”
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